LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Delrose Egwu was nominated by Crystal Perez, her colleague.

Ms. Egwu has been a counselor at Isaac School District for many years. Her students live in a poor socioeconomic area where their parents don't have the education and skills to help their children. Ms. Egwu works with every student on campus, teaching social-emotional skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and asking for help. Every week, she teaches a lesson to every classroom on campus. She does this at two of her district's schools.

"On top of teaching lessons, she also works with students who may need additional support, whether it is emotional or academic support," said Perez. "She pulls students out to work on their reading and math, and she gives them the tools to help their emotional intelligence."

She started Girl Scout troops at both of the schools where she works. She gave these girls opportunities that they would not usually have. She took them to shows, outside experiences, college campuses, and even an overnight camp. Ms. Egwu has also taken them to see various jobs they can have when they are older. They've volunteered in the community by wrapping gifts for kindergarten students and picking up trash.

The girls learn to communicate effectively while working on badges in various areas, such as science and technology. They live in such an impoverished area that they wouldn't usually have these experiences.

"Ms. Egwu spends her time outside of school making sure that our girls have a good foundation to be successful in their future endeavors," said Perez.